Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge: A Canadian Luxury Retreat
Lily Pond Approved
A tent at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an off-the-grid Relais & Chateaux resort set on the 62 meter-wide Pacific Ocean inlet for which it is named, in Vancouver Island, Canada. Accessible only by seaplane, guests will experience ultimate relaxation and escape made possible only by its location and exclusive 25-tent accommodation.
Surrounds
The Clayoquot Sound was designated as a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve in 2000. The lodge is surrounded by a variety of ecosystems, including old-growth conifer forests, temperate coastal rainforests, and rocky coastal shores. It is richly biodiverse because of its ability to freely evolve without human interference. It is located on the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation peoples’ territory, which they call Ahousaht.
Experiences
An Orca Whale at Clayoquot.
The lodge has cultivated a strong relationship with the Nuu-chah-nulth people and guests have the opportunity to visit the ancestral village. Many endangered and rare species inhabit the land and sea of the area, and guests may be lucky to spot some. Watersports, hiking, fishing, animal spotting, and horseback riding are some of the main activities offered at Clayoquot Lodge. There are helicopter trips available for both hiking and fishing trips. These helicopter trips offer the opportunity for guests to get even further off the beaten track to undisrupted wilderness. Sample itineraries can be found here, and we can further curate experiences perfectly for each guest.
Food
A meal at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.
Much of the produce that appears on the menu regularly is sourced from the Clayoquot Sound—think fresh fish, crabs and scallops, foraged wild mushrooms, turnips and radishes, cabbage, and berries, all of which make inventive yet carefully crafted appearances on the menus. Breakfast is a flexible affair, designed to be either a light bite to be enjoyed before heading out to a day of activities, or a leisurely affair for those with a more laid-back vacation in mind. The lunch menu is seasonally led and offers PNW bistro-style food that is also flexible and can either be easily fit into a busy day of activities or casually enjoyed at a lazy pace. Dinner is a highlight of the day and is enjoyed as a three-course menu with a generous range of choices, as well as numerous private dining experiences fit for milestone occasions.
Spa
The Healing Grounds Spa is a must-visit after a day spent exploring Claoyquot’s outdoor adventures. The spa features a waterfront massage tent, saunas, and cedar hot tubs – all amongst the ancient forest. There are also miles of waterfront and forest running trails for those dedicated to holistic wellness. Stretch classes are offered every morning for all skill and experience levels.
When to Visit
While the region receives lots of rain, the summer season is generally warm and dry. If guests are interested in marine sports and outdoor activities, the summer (June-August) and shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) are an ideal time to visit the region. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is a seasonal lodge, open from May until the end of September. In the spring, black bears begin to wake up from the Winter hibernation, making it an ideal time for sightings despite the cold. The summer is still cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 51-66 F, but it is drier and the whale migration is at its peak. In the fall, temperatures begin to drop again and the surf swell around the coast increases – while salmon begin their run up the river.
Baillie Lodges is an Australian-based chain that has taken over its first property outside of Australia and New Zealand with this property for the 2021 season. Baillie has a vision to align the property with the brand’s philosophy within a 3-year time frame, with the first changes being making the guest tents more contemporary. Sister properties include Huka in New Zealand and Longitude 131º in Australia. More information on the brand can be found here.